Izzy watched the child hurry off, once more very much like an animal. But that did little to dampen the sense of alleviation that had settled lightly over her.
	She shouted in surprise when a laugh sounded from the doorway, and she turned and jumped away from it. Realizing it was only Riley, she tilted her head back with an exasperated moan, and placed a hand over her heart.
	“Are you [i]trying[/i] to give me a heart attack?” She exhaled heavily.
	Izzy shifted her weight awkwardly at being accused of bullying the child, but still rolled her eyes at his pun. “I wasn’t [i]bullying[/i] him. Just pointing out that it didn’t do any harm.” She took a deep breath, and glanced toward the child, her voice slightly softer as she continued. “And I had to know, Riley. It’s been [i]two months,[/i] and he hasn’t so much as acknowledged a word I’ve said.” She sighed, and looked to the box of remaining donuts. She picked it up, and held it out toward Riley. “Donut?”